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Language and Culture

middle school chinese class

Communication is at the heart of language learning.

Students at all levels study languages in context, make meaningful cultural connections and appreciate diverse cultures. All Spanish, French, Latin and Chinese courses are designed to advance skills across the interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes of communication. 

My hope is that students leave PC with not only a foundation in their chosen language, but also with an enduring sense of wonder about the diverse perspectives, traditions and expressions they've encountered. This mindset opens doors to new experiences, fosters empathy for others and enriches their understanding of our interconnected world.​Nicole Duffy, Middle School French Teacher

lower school at presentation

Lower School

The Lower School Spanish program is an exploratory, exposure-based program for students in grades pre-K through five that builds early language awareness while centering culture, curiosity and authentic resources.

  • Through songs, stories, movement, art and everyday routines, students develop a joyful relationship with Spanish and gain an appreciation for the diverse cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.
  • Students engage in games, role-playing and other project-based activities such as the yearly Latinx Heritage Month launch, second grade fashion show and the third grade collaborative silly story unit.
Middle School Spanish class

Middle School

In sixth grade, students explore four world languages—French, Latin, Mandarin and Spanish—before choosing one to study in depth in seventh and eighth grades. Learning comes alive through real-world experiences, including community service, visual arts integration, local excursions and international travel.
 
Highlights: 
  • During Chinese New Year, students decorate the hallways, speak Mandarin together, and celebrate with food, music and traditional games.
  • Students in Spanish classes work with Penn Charter partner organizations through the Center for Public Purpose.
  • French students experience early cinema—such as the first film ever made in France—during outings to Right in the Eye at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Pennsylvania.
  • Latin students use the Idea Lab to print models of ancient architecture and Roman coins in 3D.
  • International travel opportunities have included trips to Rome, Taiwan, Barcelona, Paris, Provence and Argentina.
upper school french learning

Upper School

  • Chinese teachers use a story-based program that builds toward conversation, literary analysis and advanced discussion. Students celebrate cultural holidays and participate in annual local outings, with immersive trips to China or Taiwan.
  • In Latin classes, students explore language and culture through the 5Cs framework while reading original texts by authors such as Virgil, Caesar and Ovid, and studying key moments in Roman history.
  • Through grammar, vocabulary and cultural exploration, students engage with the global French-speaking world—both locally in Philadelphia and through travel abroad.
  • Using a proficiency-based approach aligned with ACTFL guidelines, students develop real-world language skills through field trips and partnerships within Philadelphia’s Spanish-speaking community.